‘A happy and sweet new year


Brazil and Israel develop UAVs together

In a joint venture, Israel’s Elbit Systems will build Unmanned aircraft systems, avionics and simulators in Brazil’s capital Brasilia.

Kika kicks off

The global furniture chain Kika has opened its first Israeli store – near Ikea’s site, in Netanya.

In two worlds

Sportswear designer Nili Lotan has a house in Tel Aviv and an apartment in Manhattan. Her 18-8 collection was named after the Jewish number 18 (signifying ‘life’) and her 188 Duane Street NY studio.

Israel’s credit rating rises to A+

International credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s announced it had raised Israel’s long-term sovereign credit rating from A to A+. The agency said its decision reflected Israel’s rapid economic growth and responsible economic policy.

More competitive

Israel rose two places to 22nd in the 2011 World Economic Forum index of Competitiveness. It was 6th for innovation, 4th for number of patents and 10th for financial environment.

Yet more gas and oil

The latest 3D seismic survey of Israel’s Gabriella and Yitzhak fields has produced a best estimate of 4.54 trillion cubic feet of gas and 297 million barrels of oil.

Yet more gas

Almost under our feet, off the Netanya coast, the Myra and Sarah fields have potentially 6.5 trillion cubic feet of gas and millions of barrels of oil. ILDC Energy CEO announced “Today is a celebration.”

Everything you wanted to know about Israel’s economy, but were afraid to ask

The Q2 edition of the OECD Observer should make up for the fact that there are only two business / economy articles this week.

Red Sea / Dead Sea channel is viable

A survey conducted by the World Bank has concluded that a canal channelling water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea would be financially worthwhile.